After a celebrated retirement, the Russian pop icon is set to captivate audiences once more at Igor Krutoy`s `New Wave` festival.
Valery Leontiev, a name synonymous with Russian pop stardom for decades, is poised to make a significant return to the concert stage. Following a well-publicized retirement from touring in 2019, the beloved artist is slated to perform at Igor Krutoy`s prestigious `New Wave` festival in Kazan.
The “Retirement” That Couldn`t Quite Stick
Leontiev`s decision to step away from the limelight in 2019 was marked by triumphant solo concerts at the Kremlin and St. Petersburg`s `Oktyabrsky` Grand Concert Hall, celebrating his 70th birthday. As the `All-Russian Casanova` famously stated at the time, his departure was “without extorting money from the public on farewell tours. Without snot and tears.” A clean break, or so it seemed.
However, as any seasoned performer knows, the true power of an artist lies not in their personal declarations, but in the collective will of their admirers. It appears the fervent desires of his fan base have generated an almost mythical “egregore” – a collective mental energy strong enough to transcend mere retirement announcements. This phenomenon, which occasionally pulls global stars back onto the stage, is precisely why Valery Leontiev is once again gracing the spotlight.
A Preview of the Unstoppable Force
His initial `un-retirement` happened in November 2024, during Igor Krutoy`s dual anniversary concerts. The reception was, to put it mildly, volcanic. Leontiev, visibly reveling in the moment, delivered a performance that oscillated between rock anthems and electrifying rock-and-roll. The audience, meanwhile, was in a frenzy.
A directorial plan for the singer to venture into the audience was immediately rendered moot. The moment Leontiev appeared, spectators surged forward, creating a dense human wave around the stage. After his first song, `Zanaves` (Curtain), the adoring public effectively stormed the stage, brandishing an improbable quantity of flowers. The concert had to pause as Leontiev, ever the gracious recipient, collected roughly 200 enormous bouquets – a floral tribute reportedly exceeding a million rubles in value. “It feels like it`s Leontiev`s anniversary, not Krutoy`s!” quipped delighted attendees. Even a visibly moved Krutoy exclaimed, “Valera, the hall is standing!”
During his next song, `Odin Bilet` (One Ticket), the area in front of the stage transformed into a spontaneous dance floor, echoing the uninhibited energy of Western rock concerts. This palpable connection between artist and audience persisted throughout his performance and lingered long after the final note faded. Leontiev, once again, demonstrated that time, it seems, has little dominion over him.
Kazan Awaits a Legend
Now, Leontiev is preparing to reassert his dominance on the Russian pop scene in Kazan. In an exclusive comment to `MK` – a rare direct address from the artist – he shed light on his anticipation for the event.
“I am happy that Igor Krutoy, who paternally cares about the festival, invited me to `New Wave,` a stage I have happily and reverently performed on for many years. I vividly remember the 80s, when the festival was called `Jurmala,` and everyone strived to get there as artists or spectators. Today, `New Wave` has a different geography: Kazan – an ancient Russian city with a rich and complex history, very interesting. But the essence of the festival remains the same – to give new voices a chance to make a name for themselves, and to see beloved artists. And for me personally – it`s a joy to see my beloved audience again! May it be a true celebration, light and spectacular! See you there!”
Attendees can anticipate hearing his timeless hits, including `Deltaplan` (Hang-glider), `Margarita,` and the iconic `Casanova,` among others.
The Unwavering Power of Stardom
From the Kremlin to Kazan, Valery Leontiev`s journey defies typical retirement narratives. It`s a testament not just to his talent, but to the unwavering devotion of a public that simply refuses to let their `All-Russian Casanova` fade into the sunset. The stage, it seems, always calls back its true legends.
